§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will review the decision to close the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool; [41573]
(2) for what reason no operational reasons were given for the closure of the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool; [41570]
(3) what estimate he has made of the saving resulting from the closure of the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool. [41574]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Coastguard Agency (now part of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency) issued a consultation document on 19 January which set out a 5-year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard. The document included, among other things, operational aspects of the proposed closure of four Coastguard stations and the co-location of two others. Analysis of the consultation, including the proposed closure of the 17W Liverpool Maritime Rescue Subcentre, is currently being considered and an announcement will be made shortly. During the life of the strategy, we expect there to be a major contribution to the cost of investment in the Service.